December, 2015

     Well, we have Internet but that doesn't get the blog written. As you are, so are we - this is the busiest time of the year. As always there are plans for church, plans for the family, news and happening that all come together just when you think it might calm down a little. 

     Cheyenne moved into her home, but the cold weather and sickness brought her back to us. She travels every day to school with her son and she teaches English while there. When she comes in at night, she has been in the night air and a drafty bus for more than an hour. Often they will sit down to a warm meal with us and she then prefers not to take them out again in the night air. All three have been fighting colds and the winter air does not help.

     We were blessed this year with an abundance of cats - our regular two cats had babies as well as two "outside" cats. There are cats everywhere. We have decided that until we find new homes for the "inside" babies, we will forgo a tree. After all, Christmas is not about the tree! (We do really enjoy the lights, though). 

     The church is gearing up for the Christmas program on the 20th when we all invite all the deaf we can. There are always those who have other commitments and wish the date was different, but we decided to announce it early this year and let the calendar and events fall as may. It always gives us a great opportunity to witness and befriend other deaf. Many times we see deaf who have dissolved back into society and that we seldom see. Our goal is sharing with them the good news that Christmas is all about.

     Things are relatively calm now, but could change on a moment's notice. We have seen several months pass without an incident here, so we continue to pray for peace. Nearer the border things are still very hot. This past week I read of a two day shootout doors away from the airport where we have frequented in the past. There are other places you should not go, but for now, we have quiet.

     God continues us to make new and deeper friends here in the village. Although our ministry is directed at another part of society, we try to leave a good impression and witness as we go about. 

     We do praise the Lord our health is good, we have a home to come to, we have church and family to share with and opportunities to tell other about Him. We miss friends of a lifetime, but make new friends continually through the ministry. We often think back to others who went to the field a few years ago when communication meant months between letters and a visit back home was a several month commitment in travel. We have so appreciated the instant communication available now (if we can keep the connection) and a travel time of a few hours as opposed to months. God has been good! 

     Above all, we do thank you for another year of opportunity to serve Christ and for your faithfulness in praying and giving. We wish the very best for you for this Christmas season and pray that you, as we, will have the dearest Christmas of all as we draw closer to Him. I just cannot imagine we have a whole lot left before He comes again. May God greatly bless you this Christmas and give you the desires of your heart.

Gary & Ann